Free summer greenwaste drop-off for Placer County residents

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TRUCKEE, Calif. — In response to the drought, Placer County’s Department of Facility Services is sponsoring free greenwaste drop-off days all summer long, paid for by federal funds allocated by the Board of Supervisors and Clean Air Grant funds from Placer County’s Air Pollution Control District.

The program began May 1 and will continue through Oct. 31. Greenwaste will be accepted, free of charge, at the Eastern Regional Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), located at 900 Cabin Creek Road, off Highway 89 between Truckee and Squaw Valley, Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Typically, greenwaste collection at the MRF is limited to three weeks during summer. Calfire expects wildfire risk to be higher than average and encourages homeowners to maintain 100 feet of defensible space. Increasing opportunities for homeowners to dispose of greenwaste is a high priority.

“Removing yard waste and woody debris early is critical to creating defensible space for the upcoming fire season,” said Placer County’s District 5 Supervisor Jennifer Montgomery.

While multiple trips are permitted, a maximum of six yards total, per property owner, will be accepted at no charge over the course of the drop-off period.

Eligibility requires participants to unload their own greenwaste. If greenwaste is bagged, participants will need to empty the bags.

In addition to the summer-long drop-off period at the MRF, a one-day drop-off event will be held at three locations on Saturday, June 14, from 7:30 a.m. to p.m.

Tahoe City, Cross Country Ski Area at 925 Country Club Drive

Homewood South Lodge, Tahoe Ski Bowl

Tahoe Vista, North Tahoe Public Utility District parking lot at 875 National Ave.

A limit of three yards of greenwaste will be accepted at the one-day event and will not impact the six-yard total allowed at the MRF.

Take advantage of these free disposal opportunities, a usual cost of $5.90 per yard at the MRF, or between $3 and $4 per bag if left out with regularly scheduled garbage collection (outside Truckee’s town limits).

How much is a yard? A standard pickup bed filled level is about 2.5 yards, three yards is about 20, 30-gallon bags, and six yards is about 40 bags. Please make sure loads do not include any food waste, pet waste, dirt, sod, rocks or construction waste.

Be prepared to show a photo ID with a physical address in Placer County or the town of Truckee, or an out-of-town photo ID with a local utility bill in your name.